Aid workers home

Cpl Damian Shovell
Volume 11, No. 39, March 23, 2006

Homeward bound: Members of Operation Pakistan Assist prepare to go home, their mission complete.

Transmission ends: Sig Patrick Rothe and Cpl Glen Parker dismantle a satellite dish at Camp Bradman as the Australian contingent prepares to depart.

DEFENCE Minister Brendan Nelson met ADF medical and support personnel at Sydney Airport after they completed their commitment to Op Pakistan Assist.

“It is a privilege to announce the completion of the Australian Defence Force’s medical support to the humanitarian mission in Pakistan and welcome our people home,” Minister Nelson said.
“Operation Pakistan Assist is an outstanding example of the Australian Defence Force performing at its absolute finest.

“All Australians can be proud of the efforts of our soldiers, airmen and airwomen.”

Minister Nelson said that, under the command of Col Andy Sims, the ADF Primary Health Care Teams provided a critical medical capability in a time of extreme need. They performed more than 9500 medical treatments and 4000 immunisations, enabling surviving residents to begin the long process of restoring their lives.

“A particular highlight for the ADF personnel was the delivery of five babies during this time,” he said.

An Army Black Hawk detachment from 5 Avn Regt based in Townsville enabled medical assistance to remote regional villages in rugged terrain with limited road access and performed 74 life-saving aero medical evacuations.

Minister Nelson said that with the medical mission now complete, the Black Hawk Detachment will continue to distribute humanitarian supplies to villages and communities cut-off by earthquake damage with the four Black Hawks continuing to provide essential transport and support tasks around Dhanni.

Operation Pakistan Assist will officially end when the helicopter heads home around the end of March.